First Commitment appointment - what is it?

Scrumptious67
Scrumptious67 Online Community Member Posts: 64 Empowering
in Universal Credit (UC)

Hello

I have been booked on a 'first commitment' appointment and have no idea what to expect. I haven't claimed benefits in over 15 years and it's all changed a lot since then. I have requested the appointment be changed as I have a phone GP appt that they don't give a time for and requested that future appointments are by phone due to my anxiety and depression and I'm also waiting on a referral for autism and adhd, plus i have long term chronic pain conditions.

I am wondering what this 'first commitment' appointment is about and how to prepare for it please? I am in a flare from just getting so anxious about trying to understand this system and feeling very anxious about it all so any advice would be much appreciated.

TIA

Tagged:

Comments

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,833 Championing

    Hi,

    Everyone has to accept commitments when first starting UC.

    These commitments include checking the UC journal regularly and updating UC of any changes in future.

    They will also ask you about work, and may include some work searching or work related activity while waiting for the Work Capability Assessment. If your conditions prevent you from managing any work related activity at all, the UC staff have the discretion to switch off work based commitments while waiting for the WCA, but this is not automatically done.

    If you haven't supplied a fit note from your GP yet, you should do that asap.

  • Scrumptious67
    Scrumptious67 Online Community Member Posts: 64 Empowering
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1115459#Comment_1115459

    Thank you so much. I'm confused by the whole thing as I have already submitted a sick note which is up to 30th April (which in itself is strange as I have my MSK appointment on 29th for a further assessment and decision about a new MRI), does that mean I will have to keep submitting sick notes every month? I did request a 3 month sick note from the GP but they only did 1 month. I thought submitting a sick note would mean I wouldn't need to do the work related activity? I am unable to work currently due to several long term conditions including MH. I also have not been sent the form about that either though I have requested it.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 8,624 Championing

    Work coaches have discretion to turn off work related activities while a claimant is undergoing WCA, but being under a Fit Note doesn't switch off work related activities.

    Yes you need to keep submitting Fit Notes until a decision is made.

    See this guide so you know when to expect the WCA form.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition#work-capability-assessment

  • Scrumptious67
    Scrumptious67 Online Community Member Posts: 64 Empowering
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1115517#Comment_1115517

    Thank you for clarifying that. It doesn't make sense but I understand. Hopefully I'll get the WCA form soon then.

Categories